
19 January 2026: Day 1, Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica — Road Scholar Birding in Northern Costa Rica: Tanagers to Toucans
Today I’m on my way to Road Scholar Birding in Northern Costa Rica: Tanagers to Toucans.

Our tour begins with dinner tonight at our lodging in Peidades. Tomorrow we start nine days of travel in northern Costa Rica: from San José Province to the Gulf of Nicoya, Caño Negro, Sarapiquí, La Selva Biological Station, Arenal Volcano Park and a finca in the cloud forest. Expand Road Scholar’s Google map of our route to see more.

Back in January 2017 I visited Costa Rica and saw many of the species expected on this tour though we covered a different part of the country — the southern half from the Pacific coast to the continental divide (map at left, 292 species, 209 Life Birds). There will be a few familiar North American breeding birds whose range includes Costa Rica — snail kite (below), Baltimore orioles and golden-winged warblers. And thanks to unique habitats in the north I’m sure to see Life Birds.

Here’s a sampling of what’s on tap, many of which will be Life Birds.
Because of our all-day birding schedule I’ve written 11 days of articles in advance. I’ll post to social media when I get a chance but I can’t guarantee it. If you don’t see me on Facebook, etc, look for my latest posts here on the blog’s home page.
For now, I’m mostly off the grid until I return to Pittsburgh on Thursday night, 29 January.












Have a wonderful trip Kate, enjoy your vacation!